What does Preamble of BLOCK PUTIN Act do?

This bill aims to encourage Hungary to reduce its dependence on Russian energy. The bill also seeks to prevent Hungary from hindering financial or security aid to Ukraine. The bill is referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on the Judiciary.

What does SHORT TITLE. of BLOCK PUTIN Act do?

This bill is formally titled the ``Barring Leverage and Obstruction that Contributes to Kremlin Profits Undermining Transatlantic Interests and NATO Act''.

What does FINDINGS. of BLOCK PUTIN Act do?

This section outlines findings related to European dependence on Russian energy and subsequent efforts to reduce it. Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 highlighted the strategic risks of Europe's reliance on Russian oil and gas. Following the invasion, the U.S., EU, and partners imposed sanctions, and the European Commission launched the REPowerEU initiative to phase out Russian energy sources by 2028. The European Union significantly reduced its dependence on Russian fossil fuels, cutting oil imports by over 90% and pipeline gas deliveries by roughly 80% since February 2022. While most European countries reduced Russian energy imports, Hungary and Slovakia requested timeline exemptions. Hungary increased its dependence on Russian energy by an estimated 30% and provided significant revenue to Russia. In 2025, the EU adopted restrictive measures, including a ban on Russian liquefied natural gas imports and sanctions against Rosneft and Gazprom Neft. The United States imposed secondary sanctions on Lukoil and Rosneft. Hungary has not reduced its dependence on Russian fossil fuels and reportedly received an exemption from U.S. sanctions. Hungary blocked European Union financial support for Ukraine, demanding the resumption of Russian oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline. Slovakia indicated it would follow Hungary's example in blocking EU funds to Ukraine based on the outcome of Hungarian elections.

What does SENSE OF CONGRESS; STATEMENT OF POLICY. of BLOCK PUTIN Act do?

This section expresses the sense of Congress that encouraging countries to diversify from Russian energy is in the national security interests of the United States. Congress also states it is in the national security interests of the United States for European Union member states to finance support for Ukraine. The United States policy is to hold Hungary accountable for actions that undermine the national security interests described in subsection (a).

What does IMPOSITION OF SANCTIONS. of BLOCK PUTIN Act do?

This section establishes sanctions against senior officials of the Hungarian government. Sanctions will be imposed by the President every 180 days, beginning 30 days after the Act's enactment. Individuals targeted are those who obstruct assistance to Ukraine or facilitate oil/gas imports from Russia. Sanctions include blocking property within the U.S. and restricting visas/entry into the U.S. Exceptions exist for Hungary's plans to reduce Russian energy dependency and provide assistance to Ukraine. Further exceptions apply for compliance with international obligations, law enforcement activities, intelligence activities, and humanitarian assistance. The President can waive sanctions for up to 180 days based on national security interests and a commitment from the individual to cease obstructive actions. The section terminates 30 days after the Secretary of State certifies that Hungary has ended its dependency on Russian oil and gas and ceased obstructing assistance to Ukraine.

What does REPORT ON UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT FACILITATION OF HUNGARIAN of BLOCK PUTIN Act do?

This section requires a report from the Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of State within 30 days of the Act's enactment. The report must justify any U.S. government facilitation of Russian oil and gas purchases by Hungary or related entities. The report must detail licenses or comfort letters issued on or after October 22, 2025, to Hungary or related entities involved in Russian oil, petroleum products, or natural gas. The report must include the period of effectiveness of any such licenses or comfort letters. The report must describe any foreign policy guidance related to the issuance of these licenses or comfort letters. The report must include information communicated to the Hungarian government regarding potential renewal or extension of licenses or comfort letters. The report must estimate the total quantity of Russian oil and gas purchased by Hungary or related entities since the effective date of relevant licenses or comfort letters. The report is to be submitted to the Senate Foreign Relations and Banking Committees, and the House Foreign Affairs and Financial Services Committees. The report must be unclassified, but may include a classified annex.

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BLOCK PUTIN Act

Last updated: 4/20/2026 · Introduced: 4/9/2026

Author: Marcy Kaptur (D-OH)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill aims to impose sanctions on senior Hungarian government officials who obstruct financial or security aid to Ukraine or facilitate imports of Russian oil and gas.
The bill mandates a report detailing any U.S. government actions that have facilitated Hungarian purchases of Russian oil and gas, including licenses and comfort letters.
Sanctions will be lifted once the Secretary of State certifies that Hungary has ended its dependence on Russian oil and gas and ceased obstructing assistance to Ukraine.

119th Congressin committeeS. 4275(In Committee)Official page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 4 more.

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